United States Department of Defense Recognizes Sodexho USA as Patriotic Employer

GAITHERSBURG, MD-July 19, 2005-Sodexho USA (NYSE:SDX), the nation's leading provider of food and facilities management and the official foodservice provider of the United States Marine Corps, was recently recognized with the Patriotic Employer Award from the United States Department of Defense.

The Patriotic Employer Award, given to companies whose support and goodwill are important to retaining highly skilled and qualified members of the Guard and Reserves, acknowledges Sodexho's support of employees involved with both military organizations.

“Sodexho recognizes the importance of the men and women in the military who defend our freedom every day,” said Richard Macedonia, president and CEO of Sodexho. “We are proud to say that we currently employ over 2,600 active military personnel, members of the Guard and Reserves and American military veterans, and as a company we have always done whatever we can to support our employees that serve in the military,”

Sodexho was recognized with this award because of its corporate commitment to the military by allowing its employees to retain their jobs following the conclusion of their active military service.

“We are truly honored to be recognized for our commitment to our country, our military and most importantly, our employees,” said Macedonia.

Sodexho USA (www.sodexhoUSA.com) is the leading provider of food and facilities management in the United States, with $6 billion in annual revenue and 120,000+ employees. Sodexho USA offers innovative outsourcing solutions in food service, housekeeping, grounds keeping, plant operations and maintenance, asset management, and laundry services to more than 6,000 corporations, health care, long term care and retirement centers, schools, college campuses, military and remote sites in North America. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, Sodexho USA proudly serves as the official food service provider for the US Marine Corps.